Muskegon City Commission votes 6-1 to endorse new farmers market plans for downtown

MUSKEGON, MI – After more than two months of public debate over the future of the Muskegon Farmers Market, the Muskegon City Commission voted 6-1 on Tuesday to endorse plans for a new market in downtown Muskegon.

Downtown Muskegon Development Corp.

The commission agreed with the concept of moving the market from Yuba Street to a new facility at West Western Avenue and Terrace Street. The nonprofit Downtown Muskegon Development Corp. will now begin raising $3 million privately to build the market, which will be donated to the city for its operation.

Commissioner Willie German Jr. was the only vote against the new market plans. Muskegon Mayor Steve Gawron led the commission support for the new market plans, voting in favor of the endorsement along with Vice Mayor Larry Spataro and Commissioners Sue Wierengo, Lea Markowski, Byron Turnquist and Eric Hood.

“These are people who have put their money where their mouth is to share resources in bettering the community,” Gawron said, acknowledging there has been opposition to the market relocation has caused. “I think there is more to be thankful from this than to fear with the whole enterprise.”

German said he has heard from constituents who oppose the move because the market is successful where it is currently located. He suggested the vote should be delayed until more is known.

“I want to look at the bigger picture downtown,” German said. “This does not create jobs or sustain the livability of the community and the tax base.”

Downtown Muskegon Development Corp. spokesman Steve Olsen thanked the commission for its “strong” endorsement of the downtown market plans and relocation.

“We need to have the commission rally behind the DMDC to make sure this is a successful project,” Olsen said. “For the DMDC, we have some work to do -- some funds to raise.”

Gawron said it is now time for the community to come together to make the transition to a new market successful. Plans are for the market to be built and relocated for the beginning of the 2014 season.

“I hope that as this plan progresses and play out, that everyone will want to visit the new market downtown,” Gawron said. “What we need to do as a community going forward is make the most of a fantastic market. It will still be the people’s meeting place.”